Are you hesitating to quit smoking because you’re worried about gaining weight? I understand that concern, but let me assure you that with the right strategies, you can quit smoking without putting on extra kilos.
As a dietician and hypnotherapist in Dubai, I’ve helped thousands of patients navigate this challenge and change their old unhealthy habits, and I’m here to share some handy tips to avoid this weight gain, and instead gain a healthier life.
When you smoke, the nicotine tricks your body into thinking it has eaten by causing you spikes in excess sugar. Once you let go of the nicotine, your body will feel hungrier than ever, so it’s important to keep it full the right way.
I always recommend incorporating a healthy diet plan that focuses on mindful eating. You must focus on your food and chewing, avoid distractions, and don’t eat in front of your computer. If the hunger kicks in between meals, have healthy snacks like fresh fruits or vegetables, or even nuts or popcorn. Drink water as much as possible throughout the day. If you feel it’s too hard at first, get help through nicotine patches or gum.
The majority of smokers end their meal with a cigarette informing their body that they are done eating. When you quit smoking, try to create a new signal for your body, like brushing your teeth, going for a quick walk, or meditating for five minutes.
If you have the habit of taking cigarette breaks during the day, you will be tempted to replace the cigarette with food. Instead, try to find something that keeps your hands and mouth busy, such as playing a game on your phone while chewing gum. And if a cigarette was your excuse to go outside, keep going outside but for a stretch instead of a smoke.
Nicotine increases your body’s metabolic rate, so when you quit smoking it returns to normal. Engage in some physical activity every day to boost your metabolism. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, whether it’s a brisk walk, workout, or even a corporate wellness program in Dubai.
You will notice that after you quit smoking, your lung capacity and cardiovascular health will immediately begin to improve which will make it easier for you to be active and to stay at a healthy weight. The bonus part of quitting smoking is that you will sleep better too.
Even if you do end up gaining some weight, remember that the health benefits of quitting smoking are far greater than a few kilograms. Giving up cigarettes is a huge accomplishment that can only be reached by setting goals and getting support. So, if you can quit smoking, you can surely commit to a weight loss plan to get rid of those few extra kilograms.
For more personalized advice, feel free to visit me at my clinic or explore my range of services like healthy diet plans, corporate wellness programs, and emotional eating workshops in Dubai.
